(The Lord speaking is red text)
For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying,
because ADONAI had told Moshe,
For the LORD had said to Moses:
For Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
For the LORD{H3068} had spoken{H1696} unto Moses{H4872}, saying{H559},
Numbers 1:48 is a verse set within the context of the census of the Israelite tribes, which takes place in the Sinai Desert following the Exodus from Egypt. The verse itself is part of a larger narrative where God commands Moses to count all the men eligible for military service from the tribes of Israel, excluding the Levites who were set apart for priestly duties. The verse states: "For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying." While this verse is brief and does not contain a complete thought on its own, it serves as a transition in the text, emphasizing the divine origin of the instructions Moses is following.
The historical context of Numbers 1:48 is crucial for understanding its significance. The book of Numbers, which gets its name from the census (numbering) of the people, is the fourth book of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses. The census described in this chapter is not merely a headcount but a means of organizing the people for the purposes of worship and military readiness as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
The themes present in this verse and its surrounding context include divine authority, as God directly communicates with Moses; the importance of order and structure within the Israelite community; and the preparation for the challenges that lie ahead as the Israelites journey towards Canaan. The exclusion of the Levites from the military census also highlights their unique role as religious leaders and caretakers of the Tabernacle, which is a central aspect of Israelite worship and identity.
In summary, Numbers 1:48 serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, reiterating the divine command for a census and underscoring the role of God's guidance in the organization and preparation of the Israelite nation for their future as a covenant people in their own land.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)